The internet has, of course, completely lost it at Drag Race UK

Drag Race UK judges: RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Alan Carr and Andrew Garfield

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is finally here after what feels like years of teases, trailers and speculation, and the memes have of course been quick to follow.

Ten queens embodying the best of Britain’s charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent entered the werk room for the very first time, and what followed was an hour full of camp, crass and downright brilliant television.

Naturally, all sense of restraint and stiff upper lip-ness went out of the door before the opening credits had even rolled.

The gays rushing home from work for #DragRaceUK ??
pic.twitter.com/X9qJ2iN5vk

— RuPaul’s Drag Race UK ?? (@rpdrukfans) October 3, 2019

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With Kat Slater quotes, Kim Woodburn impressions and a mini challenge involving one queen birthing herself, fans were overjoyed.

I LOVE how fucking crass and ridiculous and British #DragRaceUK is – no saccharine American over-production, just pure British irreverence, tits out and all! This is OUR drag race, not a cheap localised imitation. What a brilliant first episode!!

— Alexander Leon (@alxndrleon) October 3, 2019

Drag Race UK

1. It’s better than I ever imagined
2. The Brits are just pure filth
3. The Vivienne looks like Noel Fielding, it’s amazing
4. Sum Ting Wong sounds like Nick Frost & she is epic
5. So there is no prize money & the winner of ep 1 got a pin badge ? #DragRaceUK pic.twitter.com/E40nwsluPy

— A Twenty Something Lesbian (@nicbeanquest) October 3, 2019

From the impeccable references to British culture…

Drag Race UK episode 1 without context: #DragRaceUK pic.twitter.com/F1a8cG7Fkl

— Rhianna Williamson (@iisbaeii) October 3, 2019

…to the bear-skinned Brit Crew…

Ooooohhhhh hello #BritCrew ????? #RuPaulsDragRaceUK pic.twitter.com/gQWFsJ0UaR

— Steven Kelly (@StevenKelly82) October 3, 2019

…viewers were blown away.

Me to the producer of Drag Race UK pic.twitter.com/XeqLRSQQW3

— Mrs Phil Perry MBE (@MrsPhilPerry) October 4, 2019

Special praise was reserved for Alan Carr, who gave us the read of the night.

‘She looked like an estate agent that’s gone to Regents Park Zoo and said could you paint my face for 50p and then she’s gone back into work and gone what do you think girls? Grrrr.’@AlanCarr was born to be on #DragRaceUK and I can’t. stop. laughing. pic.twitter.com/6XvbBkU9k1

— SHANE (@shane_reaction_) October 3, 2019

Guest judge Andrew Garfield was also hailed a brilliant addition to the judging table, as he delivered a series of expert puns and flirty critiques.

I want Andrew Garfield to be a judge every week please! He has no right to be so passionate about this show whilst looking like a goddamn SNACK #DragRaceUK pic.twitter.com/coZMTBGqTn

— Kristina Bessell ✨ (@kristinabessell) October 3, 2019

There were concerns for overseas viewers, who may well struggle with some of the lingo used.

international fans watching drag race and hearing “shag” “knockers” “trollop” “knickers” “chav” “slag” “minging”

pic.twitter.com/BKYpRjMrdQ

— ¢αѕѕιє ✨ (@bloodyni3haus) October 4, 2019

But for the most part, Britons were just pleased to finally have a Drag Race to call their own.

Me spoiling Americans on Drag Race UK when we’ve had to put up with spoilers for ages x #DragRaceUK pic.twitter.com/ZruAEfCnYE

— Josh (@j0shwaterfield) October 3, 2019

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK continues Thursdays on BBC iPlayer.